Key takeaways
- Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1,200 – $1,300).
- Best value: Google Pixel 9a ($450 – $500).
- Check how many years of software updates the phone will get; the best brands now offer six to seven.
In this article
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There are hundreds of smartphones on sale, and many look the same on paper. We compared the models that matter in the US and gave each one a clear verdict: buy, consider or skip.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1,200 – $1,300)
- Best value: Google Pixel 9a ($450 – $500)
- Premium pick: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 ($1,900 – $2,200)
Smartphones compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Buy | 9.0/10 | $1,200 – $1,300 |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | Buy | 8.9/10 | $900 – $1,000 |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 | Buy | 8.8/10 | $1,900 – $2,200 |
| Google Pixel 9a | Buy | 8.6/10 | $450 – $500 |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold | Consider | 8.4/10 | $1,700 – $1,900 |
Our picks in detail
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $1,200 – $1,300
A safe choice: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra earns a buy verdict with a score of 9.0/10, at a typical price of $1,200 – $1,300.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.9/10 · Typical price: $900 – $1,000
Google Pixel 9 Pro is one of the smartphones we would buy in the US. It scores 8.9/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $900 – $1,000.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $1,900 – $2,200
A safe choice: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 earns a buy verdict with a score of 8.8/10, at a typical price of $1,900 – $2,200.
Google Pixel 9a
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $450 – $500
A safe choice: Google Pixel 9a earns a buy verdict with a score of 8.6/10, at a typical price of $450 – $500.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.4/10 · Typical price: $1,700 – $1,900
Our verdict on Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is consider: a decent option, but compare it with the picks above before paying $1,700 – $1,900.
What to check before you buy
- Check how many years of software updates the phone will get; the best brands now offer six to seven.
- Camera quality varies most in low light and zoom; compare samples rather than megapixels.
- A big battery and fast charging matter more than peak processor speed for most people.
What to skip
Common mistake: Buying a phone with a short update period; it becomes unsafe sooner.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. Mid-range phones now handle everyday tasks, photos and gaming well for far less than flagships.
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Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best smartphones in the US?
Our top pick is Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (typically $1,200 – $1,300). For the best value, choose Google Pixel 9a (typically $450 – $500).
What should I check before buying smartphones?
Check how many years of software updates the phone will get; the best brands now offer six to seven. Camera quality varies most in low light and zoom; compare samples rather than megapixels.
When is the best time to buy smartphones in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying smartphones?
Buying a phone with a short update period; it becomes unsafe sooner.